recommendations from counselors, teachers, coaches and other personal acquaintances

Application Requirements

high school transcript

SAT or ACT scores (unless you plan to apply Test Optional) - our code for the SAT is 1702 and our code for the ACT is 1244 (writing scores are optional)

secondary school report

personal essay

recommendation from at least one counselor/teacher/coach/etc

Academic Requirements

For admission to Saint Mary’s, you should complete a minimum of 16 academic units (one unit represents one year of study) in high school that include:

four years of English

three years of college prep mathematics

two years of laboratory science

two years of the same foreign language

two years of social studies

three additional units in any of the above areas, for a minimum of 16 units

*Classes at the Honors or Advanced Placement level are highly recommended.

Class Profile

A successful candidate for admission to Saint Mary’s will not only meet the coursework requirements listed above, but she will also have strong standardized ACT and/or SAT test scores (unless applying test-optional); leadership qualities; a commitment to her passions outside the classroom; and the support of her counselors or teachers for admittance.

For the Class of 2022, the middle 50% of students had a:

Cumulative GPA of 3.5 - 4.0

ACT Superscore of 22-28

SAT Superscore of 1060-1260 (EBRW + M)

As you navigate your way through the admission process, we invite you to meet with or contact your admission counselor if you have any questions or concerns.

Test Optional

Check back for more information about our Test Optional program in the coming weeks

Based on our approach to a student-centered education, Saint Mary's has decided to adopt a test-optional alternative starting with the first year class who will apply for Fall 2019. Students who apply for admission will have the ability on the Common Application to indicate whether or not they desire to have their test scores considered in the admission and scholarship decision process.

Why Test Optional?

Research shows that standardized test scores are strongly correlated with gender, income, ethnicity, and parental education. As a Catholic women's college, we aim to create a fair environment in which students are considered. We want to engage all students, no matter their background, who have the potential to achieve great success here at Saint Mary's. Both our external and internal research also demonstrate that your high school record - your grades and the rigor of your coursework - is the most important factor in the review process and best predicts how you'll perform at the college level.

Requirements to apply Test Optional:

Minimum GPA of 3.2 out of a 4.0 grading scale

Must submit two additional pieces to complete their applications: an academic writing sample (analytical paper, expository essay, research report, etc. AND an academic teacher recommendation from a teacher who taught you from 10-12 grades

International and homeschooled students are not eligible to apply Test Optional